Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus c4.59

c4.59

The Hindú orders may be said to consist of four principal parts, namely, the *upapítha* or pedestal, the *athisthána* or base, the *sthamba* or pillar, and the *prastára* or entablature. Western architects consider the base, not as a distinct member, but as a constituent part of the column; and this is not altogether at variance with the practice of the Hindú architects, for they likewise include the base and capital in taking the height of the pillar, and even consider the pedestal as a necessary part of the order. However, the latter invariably treat of a pedestal and base as separate bodies, as they are sometimes employed without pillars. These several members of the order have also been subdivided into various inferior parts, and the whole are curiously compared to the several parts of the human body, in all which particulars a striking similarity may be perceived between the Indian and European systems.